BBC bosses issued a grovelling apology after a sports presenter said new Wimbledon women’s champion Marion Bartoli was “not a looker”.

John Inverdale caused outrage on Radio 5 live’s coverage of yesterday’s final by asking co-presenter Jonathan Overend: “Do you think Bartoli’s dad told her when she was little, ‘You’re never going to be a looker’?”

As hundreds of listeners bombarded Twitter to vent their anger at his sexism, Inverdale tried to play down his comment, saying: “Marion Bartoli is an incredible role model.”

Her father Walter, who gave up his career as a doctor to coach her in 2001, said: “I don’t know what this reporter is talking about. She’s my beautiful daughter.”

Miss Bartoli said later: “It doesn’t matter, honestly. I am not blonde, yes. That is a fact. Have I dreamt about having a model contract? No. I’m sorry.

'Not a looker': John Inverdale (PIC BBC)

Do you think Bartoli’s dad told her when she was little, ‘You’re never going to be a looker’?

John Inverdale

“But have I dreamed about winning Wimbledon? Absolutely, yes. And to share this moment with my dad was absolutely amazing and I am so proud of it.

“I am sure I will be able to watch the DVD of the match and look at the picture of me when I am holding it (the trophy). That is the most important thing to me.”

A BBC spokeswoman said: “This remark was insensitive and for that we apologise.”